Community Forums:

"...a recent experience with Jiffy Lube has made me decide to start doing it again..."

That was dumb, but you got smart again. Good old Dippy Loob -- was Zippy there grinning and giggling?

"...use wheel ramps or jack the car up?"

I drive the front wheels up onto a coupla 2x4s just to get a little extra height. But this summer, after a few cold ones, I'll need the 4x4s....

"Any special oil filter--should I order from IPD or will the one at my local auto supply work fine?"

Avoid FRAM like the plague. Volvo or MANN filters are excellent -- Mann makes 'em for Volvo, and they are very, very good. If you shop carefully you can usually do better on a case of 10 some place other than IPD. Last time I bought 'em from RPR. Do a search on eBay for "volvo filter" (without the quotes).

"Is the oil filter hard to get at?"

Not on the NA engine, but a bit tough on the turbo style. Easily accessible from above, but on the turbo from below with some squirming and special words.

"...a standard band-type oil filter..."

That's what I use.

"...fill the new filter up with oil before installing it?

I do.

"...drain plug the brutally obvious one at the bottom..."

Yep. 1" socket should work fine.

"Do I need a new gasket on the plug?"

By the book, yes. However, if you wipe the dirt off you can probably reuse that sucker about 50 times. (PLease realize that I'm a cheap Yankee, and if I don't need a new washer than I don't use a new washer.)

"What about magnetic plugs?"

It's an attractive idea. Four of my Volvos have them -- IPD had 'em on sale one year for $5 and I couldn't say no.

"Anything else?"

Do more than change the oil.

• Check the battery
  
• Check the AT.
  
• Check the radiator.
  
• Check the brake fluid.
  
• Check the differential oil.
  
• Check the windshield fluid.
  
• Lube the hood hinges.
  
• Lube the door hinges.
  
• Check the tire pressure.
  
• Eyeball the exhaust system.
  
• Eyeball the cooling lines from the tranny to the radiator, particularly at the brackets and clamps.
  
• Check the splash pan for breakage or sagging.
  
• Eyeball the rack boots.
  
• Eyeball the 25-amp fuse under the hood.
  
• At least once, resolder your fuel pump and OD relays.
  
• At least once, clean the flame trap and replace the flame arrester.
  
• At least once, check the big plug in back of the head -- if it pops out, BIG OIL LEAK.
  
• Eyeball the rockers, floorboards, and inner bottom door edges for rust starting.
  
• Make a service note in your car's log book.